Hotel Santa Caterina, Amalfi

Location

This striking hotel spills from its position right on the Amalfi Drive coastal road over several tiers of landscaped terraces to the water’s edge. Scenic pathways (and two private lifts) wind their way down the cliffs, through citrus groves and lush gardens with unbroken views out to sea, to the Beach Club seawater pool and sunbathing area. The original building dates from 1880, with six guest rooms added in 1904. Succeeding generations of the Gambardella family have improved and expanded the resort to today’s 66 luxurious rooms and suites, the latest addition being the purchase of the adjoining Villa Il Rosso.

Accommodation

The Santa Caterina’s spacious, light-filled rooms and suites all feature majolica tile floors, marble bathrooms and sea-view balconies. Front Sea View and Deluxe rooms have the best vistas, and four categories of suites from Junior to Honeymoon add in generous living space, private terraces and gardens, Jacuzzis or an infinity pool for two. Air-conditioning, flatscreen TVs with satellite channels and free WiFi come as standard.

Dining

The elegant Ristorante Santa Caterina serves a superb selection of traditional Mediterranean classic dishes and locally caught fish and seafood, washed down with a dizzying array of regional Italian wines. Al Mare, on a terrace above the Beach Club, offers lunches of pizza, grilled fish and more from May to October, and Bar La Terrazza has a wide selection of cocktails and canapés.

Facilities

The hotel’s Beach Club and pool are perched on the low cliffs, with stepped access to the sea, and the gym has windows out onto the bay. A small boutique offers a selection of gift items and souvenirs, including pretty majolica ceramics from Vietro sul Mare, and the spa has a good range of face and body treatments. The concierge can advise on and book a wide variety of road and sea excursions along the dramatic coast, the islands of the Bay of Naples or Pompeii and Herculaneum.